United States Secretary of State Antony Blinken on Monday (Tuesday Philippine time) highlighted the importance of Filipinos and Filipino-Americans in building the strong foundation of the United States.
In his speech during the dinner hosted by the Philippine Embassy for President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., his official delegation, and US Cabinet officials at the Blair House, Blinken said : “Filipinos and Filipino-Americans are a fundamental part of the fabric of the United States.”
The US official also cited the role of Filipinos in international relations, noting one of his most senior officials in the State Department, Michele Sison, his assistant secretary for international organizations.
Blinken likewise added that the Philippines and the United States have forged a bond 70 years ago based on arbitral defense and security, galvanizing and further strengthening the two nations’ ties.
“We pledged our faith on the principles of the United Nations charter,” the US official said in the presence of key US cabinet secretaries, noting that both countries have reaffirmed their desire to maintain the peace and order in the Pacific region.
“And just last year, thanks to the leadership of President (Joseph) Biden and President Marcos, we have significantly strengthened our alliance. We’ve launched new initiatives together to create economic opportunities for Americans and Filipinos alike. Because last year, trade between our countries was worth more than $25 billion, a new record, and today President Biden announced that he will send the first ever presidential trade and investment mission to the Philippines,” Blinken said.
The US official also pointed out that the two countries have laid out plans to initiate new clean energy projects that will only increase power outputs “but also create good paying jobs for both our countries.”
Working with their Filipino counterparts, Blinken said they have taken steps to modernize security alliances “so that our forces can work even closer together despite natural disasters.”
Earlier in the day, President Marcos and US President Joseph Biden affirmed a series of partnerships aimed at strengthening the alliance of Manila and Washington.
In a joint statement, Marcos and Biden hailed the “remarkable ties of friendship, community, and shared sacrifice that serve as the foundation of the U.S.-Philippines alliance.”
“In efforts to promote inclusive and broad-based prosperity, invest in the clean energy transition and the fight against climate change, uphold international peace and stability, and ensure respect for human rights and the rule of law, the United States and the Philippines will remain the closest of allies, working together to deliver a better future for our citizens and tackle the emerging challenges of the twenty-first century,” the joint statement read. (PND)
